--- name: "Peter Gallagher" canonical: "https://film.one/person/peter-gallagher" fi1m_id: "peter-gallagher" imdb_id: "nm0001251" tmdb_id: 8212 wikidata_id: "Q309900" roles: ["Actor"] born: "19 August 1955" reviewed_on_fi1m: 12 average_fi1m_score: 72 average_as: "actor" average_over: 12 updated: "2026-10-23T04:08:50.114533+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Peter Gallagher ## Identity Peter Gallagher - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/peter-gallagher - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** peter-gallagher - **IMDb ID:** nm0001251 - **TMDB ID:** 8212 - **Wikidata ID:** Q309900 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Gallagher, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309900, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001251/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8212 Actor. Born 19 August 1955 in New York City, New York, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 19 August 1955, New York City, New York, USA - **Active:** 1988–present - **Also known as:** Peter Killian Gallagher, Peter Gallager, ピーター・ギャラガー, 彼得·蓋勒, Пітер Галлагер, پیتر گالاگر - **Frequently works with:** [John Hardy](https://film.one/person/john-hardy.md), [Steven Soderbergh](https://film.one/person/steven-soderbergh.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 72, as actor, over 12 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 68 (2), 1990s 74 (8), 2000s 63 (1), 2020s 78 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 74 to 71 across 10 titles - **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 8 at 60–79, 1 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 1 of 7 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Comedy 8, Drama 8, Crime 3, Fantasy 2, Mystery 2, Romance 2 - **Screen time:** 17 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $604m across 8 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Gallagher, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309900, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001251/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8212 ## Streaming the US now - **Disney+:** [*Palm Springs*](https://film.one/film/palm-springs.md) (78), [*While You Were Sleeping*](https://film.one/film/while-you-were-sleeping.md) (74) - **HBO Max:** [*The Player*](https://film.one/film/the-player.md) (85) - **Apple TV:** [*High Spirits*](https://film.one/film/high-spirits.md) (52) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Peter Gallagher > Peter Gallagher makes entitlement look comfortable, and we like him best when the complacency shows through the charm. His two films with Steven Soderbergh show how funny that ease can be, and how little it can sometimes give us. In *sex, lies, and videotape* (1989), Peter Gallagher plays John Mullany as a man who cannot imagine being caught. John is a lawyer sleeping with his wife’s sister, but Gallagher gives him none of the nervousness that might make him seem less pleased with himself. We laughed at his confidence because he makes the possibility of consequences seem beneath John’s consideration. Against Andie MacDowell’s small starts of alarm as Ann, his ease becomes both comic and revealing. Steven Soderbergh gets something precise from him: a husband whose self-satisfaction is visible without being announced. Ensemble work gives that assured manner people to rub against. Robert Altman cast him as Larry Levy in *The Player* (1992), a satire we rate highly despite the occasional distraction of its famous guests, and brought him back for *Short Cuts* (1993). Alongside those films came the stage revival of *Guys and Dolls* (1992), with Gallagher as Sky Masterson. The vain professionals were only part of the work, even if they became a familiar casting choice. *The Underneath* (1995) shows the limit of that composure. Returning to Soderbergh as Michael Chambers, a gambler coming home after leaving debts and a wife behind, Gallagher keeps his gaze level and his voice steady. We found him handsome, controlled and difficult to care about, because neither appetite nor fear disturbs the calm. Alison Elliott’s Rachel gets more from him in their scenes together, but he supplies too little for a film built around Michael’s evasions. Most critics were kinder to the performance; we do not think the film’s clever construction gives the character the depth Gallagher withholds. Television offered a different use for his assurance with Sandy Cohen, the principled lawyer and father in *The O.C.* (2003–2007). The part broadened his audience without requiring another vain professional. Confidence need not imply that somebody is up to something. For the clearest account of what works in his acting, start with *sex, lies, and videotape*. Watch how little doubt Gallagher allows John. ## Biography Peter Gallagher is an American actor born on 19 August 1955 in New York City. He graduated from Tufts University and studied acting at the William Esper Studio. He made his feature film debut in *The Idolmaker* (1980) and first achieved prominence for his role as John Mullany in Steven Soderbergh's *sex, lies, and videotape* (1989). Gallagher has appeared in films including *The Underneath* (1995), *American Beauty* (1999) and *Palm Springs* (2020). On stage he has performed on Broadway in productions such as the 1992 revival of *Guys and Dolls*. His television credits include a lead role as Sandy Cohen in *The O.C.* (2003–2007) and recurring parts in series such as *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (12) - *Palm Springs* (2020), Fi1m 78, as Howard — [page](https://film.one/film/palm-springs.md) - *Californication* (2007), Fi1m 63, as Dean Stacy Koons — [page](https://film.one/tv/californication.md) - *American Beauty* (1999), Fi1m 76, as Buddy Kane — [page](https://film.one/film/american-beauty.md) - *Family Guy* (1999), Fi1m 63, as Jared (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md) - *The Underneath* (1995), Fi1m 62, as Michael Chambers — [page](https://film.one/film/the-underneath.md) - *While You Were Sleeping* (1995), Fi1m 74, as Peter Callaghan — [page](https://film.one/film/while-you-were-sleeping.md) - *The Hudsucker Proxy* (1994), Fi1m 78, as Vic Tenetta — [page](https://film.one/film/the-hudsucker-proxy.md) - *Fallen Angels* (1993), Fi1m 72, as Dr. Yorgrau — [page](https://film.one/tv/fallen-angels-1993.md) - *Short Cuts* (1993), Fi1m 84, as Stormy Weathers — [page](https://film.one/film/short-cuts.md) - *The Player* (1992), Fi1m 85, as Larry Levy — [page](https://film.one/film/the-player.md) - *sex, lies, and videotape* (1989), Fi1m 83, as John Mullany — [page](https://film.one/film/sex-lies-and-videotape.md) - *High Spirits* (1988), Fi1m 52, as Brother Tony — [page](https://film.one/film/high-spirits.md) ## Complete filmography (111) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Humane* (2024), as Charles York - *Reboot* (2022), series, as Tyler - *Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas* (2021), as Mitch Clarke - *One December Night* (2021), as Mike - *Mr. Mayor* (2021), series, as Brett (uncredited) - *Palm Springs* (2020), as Howard — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/palm-springs.md) - *The Owl House* (2020), series, as Del Clawthorne (voice) - *Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist* (2020), series, as Mitch Clarke - *Truth Be Told* (2019), series, as Andrew Finney - *After* (2019), as Ken Scott - *Stepdaddy* (2019), Actor - *The Conners* (2018), series, as Brian Foster - *Submission* (2018), as Len - *The Gifted* (2017), series, as Benedict Ryan - *A Bad Moms Christmas* (2017), as Hank Mitchell - *Literally, Right Before Aaron* (2017), as Orson Schwartzman - *Center Stage: On Pointe* (2016), as Jonathan Reeves - *Cruel Intentions* (2016), as Edward Valmont - *Hello, My Name Is Doris* (2015), as Willy Williams - *Grace and Frankie* (2015), series, as Nick Skolka - *In a Relationship* (2015), as The Interviewer (voice) - *Man Seeking Woman* (2015), series, as Joel Greenberg - *Togetherness* (2015), series, as Larry - *DeTour* (2015), as Professor Zaring - *Step Up Revolution* (2012), as Bill Anderson - *Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You* (2012), as Paul Sveck - *Whitney* (2011), series, as Vince - *New Girl* (2011), series, as Gavin — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/new-girl.md) - *Burlesque* (2010), as Vince Scali - *Conviction* (2010), as Barry Scheck - *Covert Affairs* (2010), series, as Arthur Campbell - *GasHole* (2010), as Narrator (voice) - *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Ethan Carver — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md) - *Adam* (2009), as Marty Buchwald - *The War Boys* (2009), as Slater - *Center Stage: Turn It Up* (2008), as Jonathan Reeves - *The Gathering* (2007), series, as Dr. Michael Foster - *Californication* (2007), series, as Dean Stacy Koons — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/californication.md) - *Shark* (2006), series, as Frank Bell — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/tv/shark.md) - *How I Met Your Mother* (2005), series, as Professor Vinick — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/how-i-met-your-mother.md) - *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as David Hamilton — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md) - *Broadway's Lost Treasures II* (2004), as Sky Masterson (segment "Guys & Dolls") - *The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina* (2003), as The Mole King (voice) - *The O.C.* (2003), series, as Sandy Cohen - *How to Deal* (2003), as Len Martin - *A Tale of Two Wives* (2003), as Bill Goodman - *Page to Screen* (2002), series, Actor - *Page to Screen: 'The Silence of the Lambs'* (2002), as Host - *Mr. Deeds* (2002), as Chuck Cedar - *Feast of All Saints* (2001), as Philippe Ferronaire - *Protection* (2001), as Ted - *Perfume* (2001), as Guido - *The Last Debate* (2000), as Tom Chapman - *Jesus Christ Superstar* (2000), as First Priest - *Center Stage* (2000), as Jonathan Reeves - *Cupid & Cate* (2000), as Harry - *Other Voices* (2000), as Jordin - *Brotherhood of Murder* (1999), as Bob Matthews - *House on Haunted Hill* (1999), as Donald W. Blackburn, M.D. - *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as William Dodds - *American Beauty* (1999), as Buddy Kane — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/american-beauty.md) - *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Jared (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md) - *The Secret Lives of Men* (1998), series, Actor - *Brave New World* (1998), as Bernard Marx - *Virtual Obsession* (1998), as Dr. Joe Messenger - *Johnny Skidmarks* (1998), as Johnny Scardino - *The Man Who Knew Too Little* (1997), as James Ritchie - *Cafe Society* (1997), as Jack Kale - *Path to Paradise: The Untold Story of the World Trade Center Bombing* (1997), as John Anticev - *The Trial of Adolf Eichmann* (1997), as Gideon Hausner (voice) - *Titanic* (1996), series, as Wynn Park - *To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday* (1996), as David Lewis - *Superman: The Animated Series* (1996), series, as Kurt (voice) - *Last Dance* (1996), as John Hayes - *The Great Irish Famine* (1996), as narrator - *The Underneath* (1995), as Michael Chambers — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/the-underneath.md) - *While You Were Sleeping* (1995), as Peter Callaghan — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/while-you-were-sleeping.md) - *Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle* (1994), as Alan Campbell - *White Mile* (1994), as Jack Robbins - *The Hudsucker Proxy* (1994), as Vic Tenetta — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/the-hudsucker-proxy.md) - *Short Cuts* (1993), as Stormy Weathers — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/short-cuts.md) - *Mother's Boys* (1993), as Robert Madigan - *Malice* (1993), as Atty. Dennis Riley - *Fallen Angels* (1993), series, as Mitch Allison, Dr. Yorgrau — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/fallen-angels-1993.md) - *Watch It* (1993), as John - *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), series, as Chris Rawls — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md) - *Bob Roberts* (1992), as Dan Riley - *Buying a Landslide* (1992), as Philip Kautsky - *The Player* (1992), as Larry Levy — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/the-player.md) - *The Cabinet of Dr. Ramirez* (1991), as Matt · Story - *Late for Dinner* (1991), as Bob Freeman - *Milena* (1991), as Pollak - *An Inconvenient Woman* (1991), series, as Philip Quennell - *Tune in Tomorrow...* (1990), as Richard Quince - *Love and Lies* (1990), as David West - *sex, lies, and videotape* (1989), as John Mullany — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/sex-lies-and-videotape.md) - *I'll Be Home for Christmas* (1988), as Aaron Copler - *High Spirits* (1988), as Brother Tony — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/film/high-spirits.md) - *The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial* (1988), as Lt. Cmdr. John Challee - *The Murder of Mary Phagan* (1988), series, as Leo Frank - *Long Day's Journey Into Night* (1987), as Edmund Tyrone - *My Little Girl* (1986), as Kai - *Dreamchild* (1985), as Jack Dolan - *Terrible Joe Moran* (1984), as Nick - *Summer Lovers* (1982), as Michael Pappas - *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Logan Melton, Charles Castle - *The Idolmaker* (1980), as Caesare - *Skag* (1980), series, Actor - *Skag* (1980), as John Skagska - *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Harry - *Cruel Intentions*, series, as Edward Valmont ## Gallery - ![Peter Gallagher](https://film.one/media/person/9913/gallery-c35acee4112e.jpg) Peter Gallagher — Kristin Dos Santos from Los Angeles, California, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Peter_Gallagher.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Peter Gallagher](https://film.one/media/person/9913/gallery-16ff87bc118d.jpg) Peter Gallagher — Image via TMDB - ![Peter Gallagher](https://film.one/media/person/9913/gallery-5dd3e80b41d5.jpg) Peter Gallagher — Image via TMDB - ![Peter Gallagher](https://film.one/media/person/9913/gallery-09fbac681a40.jpg) Peter Gallagher — Image via TMDB - ![Peter Gallagher](https://film.one/media/person/9913/gallery-efeb5355b614.jpg) Peter Gallagher — Image via TMDB - ![Peter Gallagher](https://film.one/media/person/9913/gallery-4e2219257cee.jpg) Peter Gallagher — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Other awards — 1 won, 1 nominated - Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play 1986: Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (nominated) - Theatre World Award 1983: Theatre World Award (won) *From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.* --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/peter-gallagher